Ayra Starr has won the Best African Music Act at the 2025 MOBO Awards, making her the first woman in 16 years to win the award.
The Nigerian singer also took home the Best International Music Act award at the ceremony held in Newcastle.
Ayra Starr beat Nigerian singers Asake and Tems and also South Africa’s Tyla to win the award.
For the Best International Act, Ayra was up against Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion, Tems, Latto and she beat them all.
The event, hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi, celebrated the best of Black music and culture.
A post on the official MOBO X account read: “Global star, unstoppable force! @ayrastarr took home Best African Music Act at the #MOBOAwards – repping African music at the highest level!”
In her acceptance speech, the visibly emotional singer said: “Okay, this is my first MOBO. And this is the first time I’m winning a MOBO Award—make some noise! I am actually shaking right now. I am actually nervous.
“Thank you so much to everybody who supported me. Thank you to my team—my amazing MOB-STARS.
“My amazing brothers who make music with me—the producers in the studio—my studio partners in crime; my label—MAVINS record, Embryo, my mummy…
“Thank you so much. Thank you, MOBOs.”
The MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin Awards), founded in 1996 by Kanya King, is an annual British music ceremony that honours excellence in music of Black origin, spanning genres such as hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music.
